Co-culture is a technique for adding a layer of cells and embryos to the culture dish. These cells provide a supportive environment for the embryos and help them to grow and develop.
Autologous co-culture involves taking a small sample of the woman’s endometrial tissue and growing it in the laboratory. The tissue is then placed in the culture dish along with the embryos. The cells in the tissue provide a natural environment for the embryos, which helps them to grow and develop. This technique is particularly useful for women with repeated IVF failures or those with thin endometrial lining.
Heterologous co-culture, however, involves using cells from another source. These cells are grown in the laboratory and added to the culture dish and the embryos. The cells provide a supportive environment for the embryos and help them to grow and develop. This technique is particularly useful for women with autoimmune disorders or those with repeated IVF failures.
Co-culture is believed to improve the success rates of IVF treatment by providing a more natural environment for the embryos to grow and develop. It has been found to increase the number of high-quality embryos, reduce the number of embryos that stop growing, and improve implantation rates.
Co-culture is a relatively safe technique with no significant side effects. However, there is a small risk of contamination from the cells used in the culture. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the cells used are free from harmful pathogens.
In conclusion, co-culture is a valuable technique used in IVF treatment to improve the success rates of the treatment. It provides a supportive environment for the embryos to grow and develop. It has been found to increase the number of high-quality embryos, reduce the number of embryos that stop growing, and improve implantation rates. The technique is relatively safe and has no significant side effects. However, it is important to ensure that the cells are free from harmful pathogens to avoid contamination. If you are considering IVF treatment, it is important to discuss the option of co-culture with your doctor to determine if it suits you.
